Different Types of Cricket Balls
In cricket, various types of balls are used depending on the format of the game, playing conditions, and the level of play.
1. **Red Cricket Balls**: Used predominantly in Test cricket and first-class matches. Red cricket balls are made of cork, twine, and leather. They offer significant swing and seam movement, especially in conducive bowling conditions. They are used in traditional day matches.
2. **White Cricket Balls**: Primarily used in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches. White balls are also used in day/night Test matches. They are made of similar materials as red balls but are dyed white to enhance visibility, especially under floodlights.
3. **Pink Cricket Balls**: Introduced for day/night Test matches to improve visibility under artificial lights. Pink balls are used in certain day/night Test matches, especially those played in the evening or at night. They are made to retain their color and characteristics even under floodlights.
4. **Orange Cricket Balls**: Occasionally used in certain T20 leagues or exhibition matches. Orange balls are experimented with in some leagues as an alternative to white balls, especially in matches played during twilight conditions or when there is a significant contrast with the playing surface.
5. **Practice Balls**: These cricket Ball are used for training purposes, coaching sessions, and practice matches. Practice balls are often made of synthetic materials or cheaper leather. They are less expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to match-quality cricket balls.